Permutation and Combination

We have always faced the problem of understanding the difference between

permutation and combination.

This chapter will definitely clear the concepts of permutation and combination, the only
thing you have to do is thoroughly understand the difference between the two terms and
as well learn the quick tips to solve problems based on this chapter

Difference between permutation and combination

What is permutation?

Permutation: The various ways of arranging a given number of things by taking some

or all at a time are all called as permutations.
Permutation includes word formation, number formation, circular permutation, etc. In
permutation, objects are to be arranged in particular order. It is denoted by n P r or
P(n, r).

Example: Arrange the given 3 numbers 1, 2, 3 by taking two at a time.

Now these numbers can be arranged in 6 different ways: (12, 21, 13, 31, 23, 32).

Here,

12 and 21, 13 and 31 or 23 and 32 do not mean the same, because here order of
numbers is important.

What is combination?

Combination: Each of different groups or selections formed by taking some or all

number of objects is called a combination.

Combination is used in different cases which include team/group/committee.

In combination, objects are selected randomly and here order of objects doesn’t
matter. It is denoted by n C r or C(n, r)

Example: If we have to select two girls out of 3 girls X, Y, Z, then find the number of
combinations possible.

Now only two girls are to be selected and arranged. Hence, this is possible in 3 different
ways: (XY, YZ, XZ,).

Here,
You cannot make a combination as XY and YX, because these combinations mean the
same.

Quick Tips and Tricks

Factorial n!: It is the product of all positive integers less than or equal to n.
Example: 4! = 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 24

Theorem of Counting:

1) Rule of Addition: If a first task is performed in x ways and second task is performed
in y ways, then either of the two operations can be performed in (x + y) ways

2) Rule of Multiplication: If a first task is performed in x ways and second task is

performed in y ways, then both of the two operations can be performed in (x × y) ways

Suppose n different cakes are done in a 1 , a 2 , a 3 , … a n different ways
respectively, independent of each other then:

1) Any one of them can be done in a 1 + a 2 + a 3 + … + a n ways. (a 1 way or a 2 way or
a 3 + … + a n way)
2) All of them can be done in a1 × a2 × a3 × … × an ways (a1 way and a2 way and a3 + …
+ an way)

All about Permutation:

1) Condition 1: Number of permutations of n things, taken r at a time is given as

follows:
n!
n
Pr = n (n – 1) (n – 2) (n – 3)……. (n – r + 1) =
(n – r)!

2) Condition 2: If there are N balls and out of these B1 balls are alike, B2 balls are alike ,
B3 balls are alike and so on and Br are alike of rth kind, such that (B1 balls + B2 balls +
B3 balls ----- Br balls) = N balls.

In such condition,
Number of permutation of these N balls N!
= (B1)! × (B2)! × (B3)! × - - - - - (Br)!

3) Condition 3: If number of permutations of n objects are all taken at a time,

n!
then, nPr = = n!
0!

Important points to remember:

1) If N different objects are to be arranged, then they can be arranged in N! ways.

2) N number of objects can be arranged around a circle in (N – 1)! ways.

3) Sometimes we have to solve problems on permutation considering the condition

of Repetition

Repetition: This condition is not used unless specified. (Remember)

Number of permutation of N objects taken r at a time when each selected object can
be repeated any number of times is given as:

Number of permutations = n r

4) Restricted Permutation: The number of permutations of n objects taken r at a time

in which if k particular objects are:

a) Never included: (n – k)Pr ---- (k are the number of objects not included)

b) Always included: (n – k) Cr–k x r! ---- (k is the number of objects always included)

All about combinations:

1) Number of combinations of n objects, taken r at a time is given as follows:

n! n(n – 1) (n – 2)…….to r factors
n
Cr = =
(r!)(n – r)! r!

This example will surely clear the concept!

Hint: In the example discussed below, the confusion related to addition and
multiplication of terms will also be cleared.

Example: Suppose there are 12 boys and 8 girls, and we have to select 5 volunteers for
a particular task. So we have to find the number of possible selections we can make.

Total students are (12 + 8) = 20 and we have to select 5 volunteers.

n!
The total number of selections can be made nCr ways = 20C5
(r!)(n – r)!
 The question may be asked in different ways. 2 different conditions are specified below:

1) Out of 5 volunteers, 3 boys and 2 girls must be present.

2) Boys should be in majority.

Condition 1: 3 boys 2 girls are needed Condition 2: If boys are in majority

Out of 12 boys 3 are selected and out of 8 girls 2 are selected. 1) If only boys are selected as volunteers: 12C5
2) 4 boys and 3 girls: 12C4 × 8C1
(Boys) 12C3 and (Girls) 8C2 3) 3 boys and 2 girls: 12C3 × 8C2

Both girls and boys are needed, hence they are multiplied. These will be the 3 possibilities, where boys are in majority.

12
C3 × 8C2 (12C5 ) or (12C4 × 8C1) or (12C3 × 8C2)

(12C5) + (12C4 × 8C1) + (12C3 × 8C2)

Important Formulae:

1) nCn = nC0 = 1

2) nCn – 1 = nC1 = n

3) nCr = n Cn – r

4) 0! = 1

5) n! = n (n – 1)!
n!
6) nPr =
(n – r)!

nPr!
7) nCr =
r!